Ohio bow hunters killed 51,620 deer during the first six weeks of the state's archery season.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, this year's early archery season harvest is 4 percent lower than last year's record of 53,982 deer.

And while bowhunting continues to enjoy growth in the state, hunters still have plenty of time to enjoy their sport. The season started Sept. 27 and will carry on through Feb. 1, 2009.

The top counties during the early season were: Licking - 2,046; Tuscarawas - 1,991; Holmes - 1,593; Ashtabula-1,434; Coshocton - 1,391; Trumbull - 1,302; Harrison-1,286; Ashland - 1,235; Guernsey - 1,145; and Stark - 1,082.

The statewide deer population is estimated to be around 700,000, and approximately 300,000 bow hunters are expected to hit the woods this season.

Bow hunters harvested a total of 78,639 deer during last year's four-month Ohio archery season, and could still top that record with some successful hunts.